LOST SOMETHING?

No. reviewers 161K+
Rating 4.5 - 4.7
90%+ rated 4 or 5 stars 

Braiding Sweetgrass is a profound work of non-fiction that combines Indigenous wisdom with scientific understanding, exploring the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Written by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, the book weaves together personal stories, scientific insights, and Indigenous knowledge. Through essays that explore themes of reciprocity, the sacredness of plants, and the interconnectedness of all life, Kimmerer invites readers to rethink their relationship with nature. The book is a meditation on how we can re-engage with the Earth, learning from the land, and approaching nature with respect and gratitude.

What reviewers loved

Connection Between Science and Nature: Readers appreciated how Kimmerer effortlessly blends her scientific background with Indigenous wisdom, creating a unique and comprehensive perspective on the natural world. Her ability to highlight the interconnectedness of all living beings resonated deeply with those who appreciate both science and nature.

Poetic and Beautiful Prose: Many reviewers praised Kimmerer’s lyrical writing, which elevates the narrative, transforming it into a work of art. The book’s poetic language and vivid descriptions of nature allowed readers to experience the beauty of the natural world in a new way.

Indigenous Knowledge and Perspectives: The book’s exploration of Indigenous ways of knowing and seeing the world was highly appreciated. Readers found Kimmerer’s insight into the relationship between humans and nature deeply enlightening, especially as it offers a perspective often absent in mainstream discourse.

Sense of Healing and Reciprocity: A key theme that resonated with readers was the idea of reciprocity, or the act of giving back to the Earth in return for what it provides. Many felt inspired by the book’s call to approach nature with gratitude and to recognise the interdependence between humans and the environment.

Cultural and Personal Storytelling: Kimmerer’s personal anecdotes, particularly about her experiences with her heritage and the lessons learned from her elders, enriched the book. Readers appreciated how her narrative not only highlighted the importance of nature but also brought forward her personal connection to it.

Call to Action for Environmental Stewardship: The book motivated readers to think more critically about their relationship with the environment. Many felt compelled to reconsider how they engage with the Earth, leading to a deeper sense of environmental responsibility.

Emotional and Thoughtful: Reviewers highlighted how the book was both emotionally moving and intellectually stimulating. Kimmerer’s reflections on loss, love, and respect for the Earth left many readers feeling both humbled and inspired.
 
Pacing and Flow: While the book’s essays were widely praised, some readers noted that the pacing could be slow at times. A few felt that certain sections dragged on, making it challenging for them to stay engaged throughout the entire book.

Target Audience: Some readers noted that the book may not appeal to everyone, especially those unfamiliar with nature writing or Indigenous teachings. While many found the content enriching, a few felt it was more suited to a niche audience interested in environmentalism or Indigenous knowledge.

Repetitive Themes: A handful of reviewers mentioned that certain themes, such as the importance of reciprocity and respect for nature, were revisited multiple times, which made the book feel somewhat repetitive in places.